How angioplasty works
During angioplasty, your doctor will insert a small tube, called a catheter, and guidewire through a vein in your groin or arm to the blockage. The catheter has an inflatable balloon at the tip.
Once the balloon tip is in position, your doctor will inflate it to open the blockage and restore blood flow. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure. You’ll be given a mild sedative and a local anesthetic so you’ll be comfortable and pain-free.
If you’re having a heart attack, angioplasty prevents further damage to your heart. Tanner also uses angioplasty to treat other vascular conditions, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD).